Caphar

A Caphar (also spelled Kephar, Kphar, or Kaphar) is a term of Aramaic origin, meaning "village." It appears in several place names, particularly in the historical region of Palestine, associated with locations mentioned in the Bible or other historical texts. The term typically denotes a small settlement or agricultural community, often contrasted with larger cities or towns. Examples include Capernaum (Kfar Nahum), meaning "village of Nahum," and other similarly named settlements that existed in the Levant. While the term itself simply signifies a village, the historical context in which these villages existed often provides further understanding about the region's social, economic, and religious life during those periods. The usage of "Caphar" in a place name does not necessarily imply a specific shared characteristic among the villages other than their size and communal nature.